No vermouth, no beer: the route featuring the must-visit spots for wine-tasting in Barcelona

Whether you go with friends, a partner, family, or alone: El Diset never disappoints. Located in El Born, this spot stands out not “just” for its extensive and carefully curated selection of wines (mostly Catalan), but also for the food to pair with them. Its toasts—both hot and cold—are especially famous. But if you’re more of a classic type, they also have cheese boards, croquettes, and more.

You know a place is worth it even without advertising when it’s always packed. And that’s the case with Extra Bar. There’s no wine list and they don’t take reservations, but waiting in line to get into this (very) small bar is well worth it. The wine selections you can order are on display and change regularly. As for the food, it’s prepared by Alexis Peñalver, chef and owner of La Pubilla; which means carefully crafted tapas, full of flavor and high quality.

If you’re looking for something that goes beyond just “going out for a glass of wine,” An Idiot’s Guide to Wine is an experience that combines wine pairing with a comedy monologue. A tasting featuring six varieties of wine that’s coming to Barcelona after a successful run in Australia, where, for 70 minutes, guests don’t just drink wine— they also learn about it while laughing their heads off. The kind of event to attend whether you’re an expert on the subject or can’t tell a tinto de verano from a kalimotxo.

Zim is one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets when it comes to wine bars. Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter behind Plaça Sant Jaume, the menu at this tiny but essential wine bar-cave features wines that pair perfectly with a variety of cheeses from La Seu, the cheese shop next door. A must-visit for any lover of good food and drink.

Bar Brutal and Bar Super are siblings from the same mother. Or “fathers” in this case: Max and Stefano Colombo. They were the ones who transformed the historic Can Cisa wine cellar into the natural wine bistro that is now Bar Brutal. With over 2,000 wine selections, a team of sommeliers, and a menu based on seasonal ingredients, sustainability is one of the things that makes it unique.

Also from Bar Super, even though less time has passed since its opening. High-quality organic natural wine remains its cornerstone, and its location across from the Mercat de Santa Catarina means its cuisine is “cuina de mercat,” cooked with fresh ingredients.

Benoît and Nùria are the names behind the founding of L’Ànima del Vi. And although we’re lucky to have many spots serving natural wines in Barcelona, this small spot in the Born neighborhood was one of the pioneers. Its wine list is small in number but extensive in quality, featuring varieties from Catalan producers, the rest of Spain, and France. As for food, their oysters and duck and goose rillettes are well-known, though you can also order any of their daily specials.

A cheese and wine paradise that’s both a bar and a shop: that’s Món Vínic. Located in the Eixample, all the products offered are artisanal, from raw-milk cheeses to the more than 50 varieties of wines from different styles and regions. An option that may not be for every budget but is definitely worth saving up for, Món Vínic also offers tapas worth trying, including cured meats, fermented foods, marinated dishes, and pâtés…

With an atmosphere that’s both modern and cozy, at Vidorra you know when you walk in but not when you walk out (because you always feel like staying “just 20 more minutes”). Its owners are Laura Pou and Mar Badosa, who combined two of their passions to turn this spot in Sant Andreu into a trusted vermouth and wine bar. Most of the wines they offer are from Catalan Designations of Origin, and the vermouth is Mariol. What makes Vidorra a 10? Its “live music afternoons, ” featuring performances ranging from rock to jazz and rumba.

Founded in the Born in 1932, Vila Viniteca has since become one of the essential destinations for the sale and distribution of wines and spirits. National brands and varieties from around the world can also be sampled at the tastings they organize, starting at €45.

In addition, right next door is its gastronomy and gourmet food division: La Teca. A delicatessen that also features a small (and highly sought-after) tasting area where you can sample cheese platters, premium cured meats, or hand-sliced Iberian ham, accompanied by a fine wine.

Whether at Fort Pienc (its first location) or in Gràcia (its latest opening), the atmosphere and philosophy at Contracorrent are the same: a cozy spot that combines creative, signature cuisine with exclusively natural wines. While the Fort Pienc location is a more casual gastrobar, the one in Gràcia has a slightly more bistro-style vibe, perfect for a tasting menu.